Systems and methods for monitoring system performance

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure includes systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring a pipeline network having plural inspection sites. The system comprises a memory module associated with one or more inspection sites, with each memory module storing one or more performance parameters corresponding to the associated inspection site. The system also comprises a measuring device operable to collect performance data of each associated inspection site. The system further comprises a portable reader configured to read the memory module, and in association with the measuring device, to compare the one or more performance parameters with the performance data to validate the performance data while in proximity to the associated inspection site.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/736,788, filed Nov. 14, 2005, and entitled“System Integrity Monitoring Device and Process”; and U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/789,854, filed Apr. 5, 2006, and entitled“System Integrity Monitoring Device and Process”; all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods formonitoring system performance, and more specifically to systems andmethods for monitoring the performance of a pipeline network havingplural inspection sites.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, piping is used in the nuclear, petrochemical, and otherindustries for transporting fluids. A large amount of piping may be setup around a facility in an intricate, non-linear fashion. Thetransported fluids in the piping may be under high pressures, poisonous,and/or combustible. These factors and others may cause the pipes todegrade over time by corrosion, erosion, depositing, and blockage. Thisdegradation may result in leakages, explosions, or other undesirableresults. Leaks or fugitive emissions may also occur along a pipeline atflanges, joints, valves, vessels, etc. Moreover, keeping track ofmaterials, such as valves, flanges, vessels, motors, etc., around afacility is important.

Monitoring the performance of the pipes is essential. For example,monitoring for the integrity of a pipe and/or for fugitive emissions isessential. Reliable and swift monitoring may signal when a pipe, flange,etc. requires replacement or repair. One integrity parameter to monitoris the wall thickness of the pipes. Common methods used to measure andmonitor wall thickness include ultrasonic, visual, mechanical, optical,electromagnetic, electronic, thermal, chemical, and analyticalinspection as well as infrared thermography, magnetic flux leakage(MFL), radioisotope gamma radiometry, and radiography.

Regardless of the method used, problems exist. For example, a user mayhave to return to a control room before analyzing retrieved data. A usermay have to return to a control room to compare a current performancereading obtained at an inspection point to a last performance readingrecorded at that inspection point. Accordingly, a user would not knowwhile onsite or in real time whether any problems exist regarding a pipeor a particular reading. Further, a user may take measurements along apipe in the wrong order, resulting in confusion, wasted time, higheroperating costs, and recording errors.

The present disclosure may utilize memory modules. An exemplary memorymodule may include a nonvolatile memory. Examples of nonvolatile memoryare described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,506,757 and 5,576,936. Other examplesof memory modules are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,252 and patentapplication 2004/0135,668. The subject matter of these patents andpatent application are incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system and apparatus for monitoring apipeline network having plural inspection sites according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary facility or factory with apipeline network having plural inspection sites according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method according to thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 for monitoring a pipeline network 12having plural inspection sites 14 may include a site identifier 20, atarget 30, a measuring instrument or device 40, a location device 50, adata collection device or portable reader 60, and a remote processor ordatabase 70.

Site identifier 20 may be associated with each inspection site 14 alongpipeline network 12. Site identifier 20 may be associated with orattached to pipeline network 12 adhesively, mechanically, or by anyother suitable method. Site identifier 20 may be associated withinspection site 14 at any desired spot, location, point, position, etc.Site identifier 20 also may form a part of pipeline network 12, such aspart of a pipe. The phrase “associated with” may mean that inspectionsites 14 are located, attached, and/or positioned at any point,position, location, spot, place, etc. in any way desired in, on, near,adjacent to, and/or along pipeline network 12. In some embodiments, asingle site identifier 20 may be associated with plural inspection sites14. In some embodiments, plural site identifiers 20 may be associatedwith a single inspections site 14.

Site identifier 20 may be any device that allows for uniqueidentification of plural inspection sites 14 in pipeline network 12. Forexample, site identifier 20 may be a memory module, a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) device, a bar-code, and/or any other suitabledata-storage device read and/or written by electrical, magnetic,infrared, optical, optical character recognition (OCR), and/or any othertechnology desired. In some embodiments, site identifier 20 may beconfigured to be written to once. Site identifier 20 may be configuredfor read only access. Typically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, such siteidentifiers 20 are associated with each inspection site 14 in pipelinenetwork 12. Although plural inspection sites 14 typically are employed,for simplicity of disclosure, only a single inspection site 14 is shownin FIG. 1.

Although a particular memory module configuration is shown in FIG. 1,the memory module may take any of a variety of forms, and may includeany suitable structure configured to retain or store data. As usedherein, the term “data” may refer to singular or plural information,parameters, quantities, characters, files, symbols, etc. in anyelectronic, written, or other suitable format. The memory module mayinclude any number of electronic or other devices, including (but notlimited to) nonvolatile memory, volatile memory, microprocessors,clocks, sensors, etc. As should be apparent, the memory module mayutilize any of a variety of memory technologies, including semiconductormemory, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, etc.

The memory module may be equipped with an interface for accessing datastored in the memory, such as to add data to memory, retrieve data frommemory, overwrite data in memory, erase memory, etc. In someembodiments, the interface may include one or more electrical contacts,through which a signal may pass. Other interfaces may alternatively oradditionally be used. For example, in some embodiments, the memorymodule may include a wireless or contactless interface providing accessto stored data on the memory module.

As used herein, “store,” “stored,” and “storage” mean that data is atleast temporarily placed in memory for retrieval later. Stored data maybe temporarily stored or permanently stored. Temporarily stored data maybe subsequently erased or overwritten with other data, while permanentlystored data may not be subsequently erased or overwritten with otherdata. Data may be stored in any suitable format, with or withoutcompression and/or encryption and/or password protection.

In some embodiments, the memory module may be a ButtonMemory®manufactured by MacSema, Inc. In some embodiments, the memory module maybe an iButton® manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor.

Each memory module associated with a respective inspection site 14 mayallow for storage and retrieval of one or more performance parameters,including historic or unique performance parameters, corresponding tosuch inspection site 14. The one or more performance (or historic orunique performance) parameters may be related to monitoring pipelineintegrity, emissions, fugitive emissions, temperature, pressure,chemical compositions, flow-rates, or for any other conditions and/orissues that may be monitored using monitoring system 10.

In some embodiments, the memory module may allow for storage andretrieval of one or more of the following performance (or historical orunique performance) parameters: a unique pipeline inspection siteidentifier (e.g., a serial number), site location data of acorresponding inspection site 14, a material type corresponding toinspection site 14, a nominal pipe or wall thickness corresponding toinspection site 14, a minimal pipe or wall thickness corresponding toinspection site 14, a current pipe or wall thickness measurementcorresponding to inspection site 14, a last monitoring datecorresponding to inspection site 14, a last pipe or wall thicknessmeasurement on the last date monitored corresponding to inspection site14, and the identity of the last user who performed an inspectioncorresponding to inspection site 14.

Monitoring system 10 may include a cover 22 that is configured toprotect site identifier 20. Cover 22 may be temporarily secured oversite identifier 20 to shield site identifier 20 from potential damage.Cover 22 may be held in place by frictional, magnetic, and/or mechanicalforce, and/or by other means.

Target 30 may include a target rim 32 and a hole 34. Target 30 may beattached to pipeline network 12 adhesively, mechanically, or by anyother suitable method. Target 30 may take any convenient shape,including circular, oblong, square, or rectilinear. Target 30 may beassociated with each inspection site 14 to define a performance datacollection point at such inspection site 14. The performance datacollection point may be a point, position, spot, and/or location on apipe or along pipeline network 12 for collecting performance data.

Hole 34 may be fittably sized to receive a sensor 46 of measuring device40. The performance data collection point may be defined as a point thatis fittably sized to receive sensor 46 for collecting performance data.Target 30 may be advantageous for generating a consistent (e.g.,accurate and/or precise) measurement for collecting performance data atinspection site 14. Target 30 may indicate the data collection point inany way desired. In some embodiments, target 30 and site identifier 20may form a unitary component associated with or attached at inspectionsite 14. The unitary component may be a plate to which site identifier20 is attached and comprised of target 30 including 34. The plate may bemetal, plastic, or any other suitable material.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary facility or factory F comprising apipeline network 12. Pipeline network 12 may include a network ofintricate, non-linear pipes, flanges, fasteners, vessels, pressurevessels, etc. located around and throughout facility or factory F. Inother embodiments, pipeline network 12 may be located around andthroughout a plant, a power plant, a ship, a submarine, or in any otherlocation. Pipeline network 12 may include multiple pipes with each pipeconfigured to carry different fluids. Pipeline network 12 may includeany type of material, including metals, plastics, etc. Plural inspectionsites 14 may be associated with pipeline network 12.

For illustrative purposes only, inspection sites 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and14 d may be associated with pipeline network 12. In other embodiments,pipeline network 12 may have as many inspection sites 14 as desired,including hundreds or even thousands. A site identifier 20 and a target30 may be associated with or attached at each inspection site 14.Portable reader 60 and/or measuring device 40 may be transported to anyof inspection sites 14 a-d for monitoring. Now returning to FIG. 1,monitoring system 10 may include measuring device 40.

Measuring device 40 may include a screen 42, a plurality of keys 44, asensor 46, a first connector 48, and a second connector 49. Measuringdevice 40 may be operable to make certain desired measurements ofinspection site 14. Measuring device 40 may be operable to collectperformance data of inspection site 14. The performance data may berelated to pipeline integrity, emissions, fugitive emissions,temperature, pressure, chemical compositions, flow-rates, or for anyother conditions and/or issues for which data may be collected usingmonitoring system 10.

Screen 42 may be configured to view data stored in measuring device 40,or accessible thereby. Keys 44 may include an on/off key, a calibrationkey, a plurality of key pad keys, a set of scroll left/right keys,and/or a set of scroll up/down keys. In other embodiments, measuringdevice 40 may include a touch-pad, a touch-screen, voice input oranother suitably configured data entry device or tool. Measuring device40 may be configured to control partially or entirely the operation oflocation device 50 and/or portable reader 60. Alternatively, measuringdevice 40 may act as a peripheral to another device, such as locationdevice 50 and/or portable reader 60, where location device 50 and/orportable reader 60 is configured to control partially or entirely theoperation of measuring device 40.

Sensor 46 may be configured to make measurements and/or collectperformance data of inspection site 14. In some embodiments, sensor 46may be fittably configured to fit into rim 32 on target 30 associatedwith inspection site 14. Sensor 46 may transmit or send data, includingperformance data, to measuring device 40 of a selected or presentinspection site 14 being measured via a first connector 48.

First connector 48 may allow data to pass between measuring device 40and sensor 46. First connector 48 may connect measuring device 40 tosensor 46. First connector 48 may create an electrical connection, anoptical connection, a radio frequency (RF) connection, a wirelessconnection, or any other type of connection desired. First connector 48may be a cable.

In some embodiments, measuring device 40 may measure the performance ofpipeline network 12 using ultrasonic inspection, mechanical inspection,optical inspection, electromagnetic and electronic inspection, thermalinspection, chemical and analytical inspection, infrared thermography,magnetic flux leakage (MFL), radioisotope gamma radiometry, radiography,or any other method desired. Measuring device 40 may collect performancedata from the measurement. In some embodiments, the performance data mayinclude a current pipe or wall thickness of inspection site 14. In someembodiments, measuring device 40 may be an ultrasound device, such as aPanametrics Corrosion Thickness Gage 37DL Plus. Measuring device 40 maybe a modified Panametrics Thickness Gage 37DL Plus. The PanametricsThickness Gage 37DL Plus may be controlled entirely or in part byportable reader 60. Measuring device 40 may be a Krautkramer DMS2E.Measuring device 40 may be a modified Krautkramer DMS2E. The KrautkramerDMS2E may be controlled entirely or in part by portable reader 60.

Measuring device 40 may be connected to portable reader 60 via a secondconnector 49. Second connector 49 may allow measuring device 40 andportable reader 60 to connect and interface. Second connector 49 mayallow data to pass between measuring device 40 and portable reader 60.Second connector 49 may be in the form of an electrical connection, anoptical connection, an RF connection, a wireless connection, or anyother type of connection desired. Second connector 49 may be a cable.Sensor 46 may communicate with portable reader 60 via first connector 48and second connector 49. It will be appreciated that sensor 46 may beconnected via first connector 48 to portable reader 60, and maycommunicate with measuring device 40 via second connector 49 and/or withlocation device 50 via a third connector 52.

Monitoring system 10 may include location device 50. Location device 50may be any device capable of determining site location data. Locationdevice 50 may be a global positioning satellite (GPS) device. Locationdevice 50 may be a Galileo positioning system device. Location device 50may use GPS, Galileo, or any other suitable technology for gatheringsite location data. Location device 50 may have an antenna 54 forreceiving a signal from, for example, GPS satellites 56 and/or Galileosatellites 56.

Location device 50 may have its own controls, or act as a peripheral toanother device, such as portable reader 60 and/or measuring device 40,where portable reader 60 and/or measuring device 40 is configured tocontrol operation of location device 50. Location device 50 may beconfigured to control partially or entirely the operation of measuringdevice 40 and/or portable reader 60.

Location device 50 may be permanently or temporarily connected via athird connector 52 with portable reader 60 and/or measuring device 40.Third connector 52 may allow location device 50 and portable reader 60to connect and interface. Third connector 52 may allow data to passbetween location device 50 and portable reader 60. Third connector 52may be in the form of an electrical connection, an optical connection,an RF connection, a wireless connection, or any other type of connectiondesired. Third connector 52 may be a cable. Portable reader 60 may storedata passed from location device 50. It will also be appreciated thatthird connector 52 may allow location device 50 and measuring device 40to connect and interface either by directly connecting third connector52 to measuring device 40 or indirectly via portable reader 60.

Various site location data may be associated with a correspondinginspection site 14. Site location data may include a distance value anda direction value. The distance value may include a measurable distancebetween points (e.g., inches, feet, meters, etc.). The direction valuemay include coordinates or bearings (e.g., North, South, East, West, Up,Down, Left, Right, Starboard, Port, etc.). The distance value and thedirection value, or any combination of distance values and directionvalues, may be used to determine the location of a selected ordestination inspection site 14. Site location data may be in anysuitable format, such as latitude coordinates and longitude coordinates,GPS coordinates, Galileo coordinates, user-defined values or coordinates(e.g., “5 feet above the third door on the left”), and/or anycombination thereof.

As described above, site identifier 20 (e.g., the memory module) maystore site location data corresponding to such inspection site 14associated with site identifier 20. Portable reader 60 may store sitelocation data corresponding to each inspection site 14 in pipelinenetwork 12.

Monitoring system 10 may also include portable reader 60. Portablereader 60 may include a screen 62, a plurality of keys 64, areader/writer 66, a fourth connector 67, an internal on-board memory 68,and a processor 69.

Screen 62 may be configured to view data in portable reader 60. Screen62 may also be configured to view data in measuring device 40 and/or inlocation device 50. Portable reader 60 may be configured to partially orentirely control measuring device 40 and/or location device 50. Keys 64may include an on/off key, a calibration key, a plurality of key padkeys, a set of scroll left/right keys, and/or a set of scroll up/downkeys. Keys 64 may be configured to control portable reader 60. In otherembodiments, portable reader 60 may include a touch-pad, a touch-screen,voice input, or another suitably configured data entry device or tool inlieu of and/or in addition to keys 64.

Portable reader 60 may be configured to control partially or entirelythe operation of measuring device 40 and/or location device 50. Keys 64may also be configured to control measuring device 40 (via secondconnector 49), and/or location device 50 (via third connector 52).Alternatively, portable reader 60 may act as a peripheral to anotherdevice, such as measuring device 40 and/or location device 50, wheremeasuring device 40 and/or location device 50 is configured to controlpartially or entirely the operation of measuring device 40.

Portable reader 60 and site identifier 20 may becomplementary-configured for allowing data, and/or parameters to pass.In some embodiments, reader/writer 66 may be associated with portablereader 60 and site identifier 20 may be complementary-configured so thatportable reader 60 may read data from and/or write data to siteidentifier 20, and vice-versa. An interface on reader/writer 66 may bealigned with an interface on site identifier 20 so that data may betransferred between reader/writer 66 and site identifier 20.Reader/writer 66 may transmit data to and/or from site identifier 20electrically, optically, with radio waves, and/or with infrared waves,etc. Reader/writer 66 may be a sensor or probe.

Reader/writer 66 may send or retrieve data from portable reader 60 viafourth connector 67. Fourth connector 67 may allow data to pass betweenportable reader 60 and reader/writer 66. Fourth connector 67 may connectportable reader 60 to reader/writer 66. Fourth connector 67 may be inthe form of an electrical connection, an optical connection, an RFconnection, a wireless connection, or any other type of connectiondesired. Fourth connector 67 may be a cable. It will be appreciated thatreader/writer 66 may communicate with measuring device 40 via fourthconnector 67 and second connector 49, and/or with location device 50 viafourth connector 67 and third connector 52. It will also be appreciatedthat reader/writer 66 may be connected to measuring device 40 via fourthconnector 67, and may communicate with portable reader 60 via secondconnector 49 and/or with location device 50 via third connector 52.

Portable reader 60 may include internal on-board memory 68. Internalon-board memory 68 may take any of a variety of forms, and may includeany suitable structure configured to retain or store data. Internalon-board memory 68 may include any number of electronic or otherdevices, including (but not limited to) nonvolatile memory, volatilememory, microprocessors, clocks, sensors, etc. As should be apparent,internal on-board memory 68 may utilize any of a variety of memorytechnologies, including semiconductor memory, magnetic storage media,optical storage media, etc. Internal on-board memory 68 may retain orstore data for measuring device 40, location device 50, and/or portablereader 60.

Internal on-board memory 68 may store or receive for storage the one ormore performance (or historical or unique performance) parameterscorresponding to each inspection site 14. Internal on-board memory 68may store or receive for storage the one or more performance (orhistorical or unique performance) parameters corresponding to such siteidentifier 20 (e.g., the memory module) associated with a selected orpresent inspection site 14. Internal on-board memory 68 may store orreceive for storage performance data of inspection site 14. Internalon-board memory 68 may store or receive for storage performance datafrom measuring device 40.

Internal on-board memory 68 may store or receive for storage sitelocation data corresponding to each inspection site 14 in pipelinenetwork 12. Internal on-board memory 68 may store or receive for storagepresent site location data from a site identifier 20 associated with apresent inspection site 14.

Processor 69 may be configured to analyze, compute, and/or compare dataretrieved by and/or stored in portable reader 60. Processor may analyze,compute, and/or compare data associated with a selected inspection site14 in real-time and/or while at, near, around, adjacent to, and/or inproximity to the selected inspection site 14. In some embodiments,processor 69 may verify the one or more performance parameterscorresponding to and/or associated with a respective inspection site 14.In some embodiments, processor 69 may compare the one or moreperformance parameters corresponding to and/or associated with a presentinspection site 14 with performance data of the present inspection site14.

Processor 69 may validate, e.g., the accuracy and/or precision, of theperformance data in real time or while on-location at the presentinspection site 14. Either a user or processor 69 may interpret theperformance data in real time or while on-location at the presentinspection site 14. Either a user or processor 69 may validate theperformance of the present inspection site 14 and/or pipeline network 12in real time or while on-location at the present inspection site 14.Either a user or processor 69 may validate the performance of monitoringsystem 10 in real time or while on-location at the present inspectionsite 14.

In some embodiments, processor 69 may be configured to compare sitelocation data of the present inspection site 14 with reference sitelocation data to determine a location of a destination inspection site14. The site location data corresponding to the destination inspectionsite 14, or any other inspection site 14, may be the reference sitelocation data. It will be appreciated that processor 69 may determinethe location of the destination inspection site 14 without the use oflocation monitoring device 50.

In some embodiments, portable reader 60 may be a suitably configured PDAdevice, notebook computer, or other suitable portable or hand-heldcomputing or processing device. In some embodiments, portable reader 60may be a ButtonReader® manufactured by MacSema, Inc., that communicates(e.g., reads/writes) with the ButtonMemory®. The ButtonReader® maytransmit, download and/or upload data to the Button Memory®.

In some embodiments portable reader 60 may be a modified ButtonReader®.The ButtonReader® may control entirely, or in part, measuring device 40and/or location device 50. The ButtonReader® may communicate withmeasuring device 40 and/or location device 50 for transmitting data. ThePanametrics Thickness Gage 37DL Plus may be connected to theButtonReader® via second connector 49. Krautkramer DMS2E may beconnected to the ButtonReader® via second connector 49.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, portable reader 60 andmeasuring device 40 may form a unitary portable instrument. The unitaryportable instrument may be configured so that one or more measuringdevices 40, one or more location devices 50, one or more portablereaders 60 and/or any combination thereof is integrated as one unit,integrated as connected components, or integrated in any way desired. Asshown in dashed lines in FIG. 2, the unitary portable instrumentincluding portable reader 60 may be transported as needed to inspectionsites 14 along pipeline 12 for monitoring. It will be appreciated thatmeasuring device 40 may be located at inspection site 14 for performingconstant or real-time monitoring.

Monitoring system 10 may include remote processor or database 70. Remotedatabase 70 may be any device allowing for storage, retrieval, and/orprocessing of data, such as a computer. Remote database 70 may containany parts needed for storing, retrieving, and/or processing data, suchas a memory module, a microchip, a screen, and a keyboard. Remotedatabase 70 may use a fifth connector 71 to interface with measuringdevice 40, location device 50, and/or portable reader 60, allowing datato pass. Fifth connector 71 may be in the form of an electricalconnection, an optical connection, an RF connection, a wirelessconnection, or any other type of connection desired. Fifth connector 71may be a cable. Remote database 70 may store and/or process any data ofthe present disclosure. In some embodiments, remote database 70 may beconnected via fourth connector 67 to a reader/writer 66. Remote database70 may be able to read data from and/or write data to site identifier 20(e.g., a memory module) via reader/writer 66.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method 100 for monitoringinspection sites 14. At block 110, plural inspection sites 14 areselected and associated with pipeline network 12. Inspection sites 14may be associated with one or more pipes, fasteners, flanges, valves,vessel, pressure vessels, etc. in pipeline network 12.

At block 112, a target 30 may be associated with each inspection site14.

At block 114, a site identifier 20 may be associated with eachinspection site 14. Site identifier 20 may store or contain one or moreperformance parameters associated with such inspection site 14. In someembodiments, site identifier 20 may be a memory module. Portable reader60 and/or remote database 70 may be used to write to site identifier 20the one or more performance parameters associated with such inspectionsite 14.

At block 116, an inspection site 14 for monitoring may be selected.Portable reader 60 may be transported to the selected inspection site14. A unitary portable instrument that may include portable reader 60,measuring device 40 and/or location device 50 may be transported to theselected inspection site 14. Using FIG. 2 as an example, inspection site14 a may be selected. The unitary portable instrument including portablereader 60 may be transported to inspection site 14 a.

At block 120, the one or more performance (or historical or unique)parameters stored on site identifier 20 associated with the selectedinspection site 14 may be acquired by portable reader 60. Reader/writer66 may read site identifier 20 to acquire the one or more performanceparameters. In some embodiments, portable reader 60 may acquire the oneor more performance parameters from the memory module. The one or moreperformance parameters acquired may include one or more performanceparameters stored on site identifier 20 corresponding to the selectedinspection site 14. Portable reader 60 may acquire the one or moreperformance parameters onsite and/or in real time. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 2, portable reader 60 may acquire the one or moreperformance parameters corresponding to inspection site 14 a whileportable reader 60 is located at or around inspection site 14 a. Screen62 of portable reader 60 may indicate that data was transmitted fromsite identifier 20 to portable reader 60.

Turning to block 121 of FIG. 3, portable reader 60 may be suitablyprogrammed to compare the one or more performance parameters with datastored on portable reader 60 to verify that the data being comparedmatches. For example, portable reader 60 may compare the last pipe orwall thickness reading and the last date of the last pipe or wallthickness reading acquired in block 120 with data stored with portablereader 60 including a last pipe or wall thickness reading and a lastdate of a last pipe or wall thickness to verify that the data matches.Portable reader 60 may provide an alert if the data stored with portablereader 60 does not match the one or more performance parameters storedwith site identifier 20.

At block 122, measuring device 40 may collect performance data of theselected inspection site 14. In some embodiments, sensor 46 of measuringdevice 40 may be placed in hole 34 on target 30, i.e., the performancedata collection point, for taking a reading or measurement to collectperformance data. In some embodiments, performance data collected bymeasuring device 40 may be the current pipe or wall thickness associatedwith inspection site 14, such as at hole 34 of target 30. In someembodiments, the performance data may be collected after a visual orother inspection without using measuring device 40.

In some embodiments, one or more of the performance data may becollected. For example, measuring device 40 may collect pluralperformance data over a predetermined time interval. The time intervalmay be in seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc.

At block 124, the performance data of block 122 may be acquired byportable reader 60. Portable reader 60 may acquire the performance datawhile onsite and/or in real time. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2,portable reader 60 may acquire the performance data of inspection site14 a while portable reader 60 is located at or around inspection site 14a.

Portable reader 60 may be configured to manually receive the performancedata. In some embodiments, keys 64 may be used to manually type intoportable reader 60 the performance data. In some embodiments, pressing akey 64 may cause portable reader 60 to communicate with measuring device40 to retrieve the collected performance data.

Portable reader 60 may be suitably programmed to retrieve or acquireautomatically the performance data from measuring device 40. In someembodiments, portable reader 60 may be programmed to perform a readingprocess to read measuring device 40. The reading process may determinewhether measuring device 40 has collected performance data. The readingprocess may begin reader/writer 66 receives data from site identifier20. The reading process may end when measuring device 40 has collectedthe performance data. Portable reader 60 may be programmed to retrieveor acquire the performance data from measuring device 40 after theperformance data reading has substantially stabilized.

The reading process may end after a predetermined amount of time ifmeasuring device 40 does not collect the performance data and/or doesnot collect a substantially stabilized reading. Portable reader 60 mayalert the user if performance data has not been acquired in thepredetermined time. The alert may include resetting portable reader 60and/or prompting the collection of performance data in block 122. Screen62 of portable reader 60 may indicate that data was transmitted frommeasuring device 40 to portable reader 60.

Portable reader 60 may be suitably programmed to acquire the performancedata collected over the interval in block 122 from measuring device 40.

Now turning to block 130 in FIG. 3, portable reader 60 may compare,compute, and/or analyze data. Portable reader 60 may perform one or moretests in real time and/or onsite at or around inspection site 14. Thetests may include validation and/or interpretation of data. Portablereader 60 may be suitably programmed to compare one or more of theperformance data collected over the interval in block 122 from measuringdevice 40.

In block 132, portable reader 60 may compare the performance dataacquired in block 122 with one or more performance parameters acquiredin block 120 to validate the performance data acquired in block 124. Thevalidation of performance data may be performed onsite and/or in realtime. The validation of performance data may provide real-time feedbackof the reliability and/or accuracy of the performance data acquired inblock 122. Portable reader 60 may alert a user as required if problemsexist with the reliability and/or accuracy of the performance dataacquired in block 124.

In some embodiments, comparing the one or more performance parametersstored with site identifier 20, with data stored with portable reader60, as described in block 120, may help validate the performance datacollected by confirming onsite that the performance data was collectedat the correct inspection site 14 in the correct order, etc. In someembodiments, validation of performance data may include portable reader60 determining that the performance data is out of range. For example,the current pipe or wall thickness acquired in block 124 may be comparedto the nominal pipe or wall thickness corresponding to the selectedinspection site 14. In some embodiments, if the current pipe or wallthickness is plus or minus about 12.5% of the nominal pipe or wallthickness, then the current pipe or wall thickness data may be out ofrange.

In some embodiments, validation of performance data may include portablereader 60 determining if measuring device 40 collected imprecise and/orinaccurate performance data (e.g., it took a “bad” reading). Forexample, the current pipe or wall thickness acquired in block 124 may beabove the nominal pipe or wall thickness of the corresponding inspectionsite 14. In some embodiments, when the current pipe or wall thickness isgreater than about 0.005 of nominal pipe or wall thickness, measuringdevice 40 collected bad performance data.

One or more responses may occur based on the validation of theperformance data acquired in block 124. If the performance data isdetermined to be invalid (for example, out of range, inaccurate, and/orimprecise) or the data collected is determined to be bad, then portablereader 60 may prompt measuring device 40 or the user to acquire orcollect new performance data in block 122. In some embodiments, portablereader 60 may automatically prompt measuring device 40 to collect a newcurrent pipe or wall thickness reading. Invalid performance datareadings may also mean a problem exists with measuring device 40 orelsewhere in monitoring system 10. In response, appropriate changes,tuning, calibrations or adjustments may be made to monitoring system 10,such as, moving, adjusting, replacing, repairing, etc. measuring device40 an/or monitoring system 10.

In block 134, portable reader 60 may compare the performance dataacquired in block 124 with one or more performance parameters acquiredin block 120 to interpret the performance data acquired in block 124.The interpretation of performance data may be performed onsite and/or inreal time. The interpretation of performance data may provide real-timefeedback of the status of pipeline network 12 and/or of monitoringsystem 10. Portable reader 60 may alert a user as required based on theinterpretation.

For example, in some embodiments, the interpretation of performance datamay determine if pipeline network 12 is at optimal performance. Portablereader 60 may determine that the current pipe or wall thickness acquiredin block 124 is moderately or severely below the nominal pipe or wallthickness corresponding to inspection site 14. Portable reader 60 mayalso determine the current pipe or wall thickness acquired in block 124is below the minimal level of thickness for the pipe of thecorresponding inspection site 14. Portable reader 60 may be configuredto only interpret performance data determined to be valid in block 132.

One or more responses may occur based on the interpretation of theperformance data acquired in block 124. The performance data may signalthat pipeline network 12 is not at optimal performance. In response,appropriate changes, tuning, calibrations, or adjustments may be made topipeline network 12. In response, a user may adjust, replace and/orrepair the pipes, flanges, etc., in pipeline network 12. The performancedata may alert a user that a problem exists with one or more componentsof monitoring system 10. For example, a faulty portable reader 60 ormeasuring device 40 may exist. In response, appropriate changes,replacements, repairs, tuning, or adjustments may be made to monitoringsystem 10.

In block 140, data may be transmitted (e.g., written to) to siteidentifier 20 using reader/writer 66. In some embodiments, one or moreupdated performance parameters may be transmitted to site identifier 20(e.g., the memory module) associated with the selected inspection site14 for storage. For example, the performance data acquired in block 124and the date on which the performance data was collected in block 122and/or acquired in block 124 may be transmitted to the selected siteidentifier 20 for storage. The identity of the last user who performedan inspection corresponding to inspection site 14 may also betransmitted (e.g., written to) site identifier 20. In this manner, siteidentifier 20 may maintain a historical record of one or more historicalperformance parameters that are unique to such inspection site 14associated with site identifier 20.

Portable reader 60 may be locked manually and/or automatically toprevent overwriting of data stored in internal on-board memory 68 and/orto prevent measuring device 40 from collecting performance data.Portable reader 60 may lock data associated with a selected siteidentifier 20 after reader/writer 66 has transmitted data to such siteidentifier 20. Portable reader 60 may be locked manually, e.g., usingkeys 64. Portable reader 60 may be configured to lock automaticallyafter a predetermined delay. Screen 62 of portable reader 60 mayindicate that portable reader 60 is locked.

Portable reader 60 may be unlocked to allow for modification of storeddata and/or to allow measuring device 40 to collect performance data.Portable reader 60 may be unlocked manually. Portable reader 60 may besuitably programmed to unlock for a selected inspection site 14 afterdata is transmitted from site identifier 20 associated with the selectedinspection site 14 to reader/writer 66.

In some embodiments, portable reader 60 may be suitably programmed toverify whether data, such as the one or more updated performanceparameters, have been written to site identifier 20. For example,portable reader 60 may provide an alert if portable reader 60 has notwritten to site identifier 20 after a predetermined time. Thepredetermined time may be some time interval after portable reader 60validated the performance data in block 132 and/or interpreted theperformance data in 134. The alert may include prompting the collectionof new performance data in block 122 and/or discrediting the performancedata already collected and stored in portable reader 60. Thisverification may confirm that performance data was collected atinspection site 14. This verification may confirm that the performancedata was validated by using the one or more performance values stored onsite identifier 20.

In block 142, data may be transmitted, sent, or uploaded to remotedatabase 70 for storage, analysis, etc.

Returning to block 116, another inspection site 14 may be selected formonitoring. Referring again to FIG. 2, a user at inspection site 14 amay select to monitor inspection site 14 b, 14 c, or 14 d. The unitaryportable instrument including portable reader 60 may be transported tothe next-selected inspection site 14. The steps disclosed in blocks110-140 may be repeated for inspection site 14 b, 14 c, and/or 14 d asnecessary.

Now referring to the flow chart in FIG. 4, method 100 may also allow fordetermining the location of inspection sites 14 along pipeline network12. At block 200, site location data may be associated with eachinspection site 14 selected in block 110. Location device 50 may be usedto determine site location data for each inspection site 14. Blueprints,survey tools (i.e., lasers), or any manual or other method to determinesite location data may also be used.

In some embodiments, site location data may be determined while onsiteor while associating site identifier 20 with inspection site 14 at block114 in FIG. 3. Site location data may be associated with inspection site14, site identifier 20, and/or target 30 in any way desired in, on,near, adjacent to, and/or along pipeline network 12 at any desiredpoint, position, location, spot, place, etc. It will be appreciated thatany method described, or other suitable method, may be employed todetermine site location data of each inspection site 14. Any of thevarious site location data described above may be associated with acorresponding site inspection site 14.

At block 210 of FIG. 4, each site identifier 20 (e.g., the memorymodule) associated with inspection site 14 may store the determined sitelocation data corresponding to such inspection site 14. Site locationdata may be stored in a machine-readable format, as a barcode, aselectronic data, or in any other desired format. Using FIG. 2 as anillustration, inspection sites 14 a, 14 b, 14 c and 14 d may beselected. Site location data for inspection site 14 a is stored at siteidentifier 20 associated with inspection site 14 a. Likewise, sitelocation data for 14 b is stored at inspection site 14 b, etc.

At block 220 of FIG. 4, the determined site location data for eachinspection site 14 may be sent to a database accessible from anyinspection site 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the database isstored in internal on-board memory 68 in portable reader 60. Thedatabase may also be stored on each site identifier 20 and/or on remotedatabase 70. The site location data may include reference site locationdata. The reference site location data may be one or more fixedlocations, including any suitable inspection site 14 or any otherlocation desired. Again using FIG. 2 as an example, site location datacorresponding to each of inspection site 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d isstored in portable reader 60.

The site location data in blocks 200 and 210 may be used to determinethe location of inspection sites 14 along pipeline network 12. Forexample, the site location data may be used to determine the location ofthe inspection site selected for monitoring in block 116 of FIG. 3. Inblock 230 of FIG. 4, site location data may be transmitted from siteidentifier 20 (e.g., the memory module) at a present inspection site 14to portable reader 60. Reader/writer 66 of portable reader 60 may beused to acquire site location data from site identifier 20. In someembodiments, portable reader 60 may be configured to read a bar-codestoring site location data associated with inspection site 14.

At block 240 , portable reader 60 may compare site location data fromthe present inspection site 14 to reference site location data todetermine the location of a destination inspection site. In oneembodiment, keys 64 on portable reader 60 may be used to select anydesired destination inspection site 14 stored in portable reader 60. Inthis manner, a location, e.g., a relative distance value and a relativedirection value, between the present inspection site and the destinationinspection site may be determined. In this manner, a user may locate thedestination inspection site from the present inspection site in realtime. It will be appreciated that since all site location data is storedin portable reader 60 and/or at each inspection site 14 associated withpipeline network 12, location device 50 is not needed for determining alocation of a destination inspection site 14.

In some embodiments, the relative distance value and the relativedirection value determined by portable reader 60 may be adjusted forincreased precision and/or accuracy. For example, it is appreciated thatcurrent GPS, Galileo, or other location technology may be unable toprovide exact or pinpoint coordinates corresponding to an actuallocation. Site location data (e.g., GPS coordinates) determined for eachinspection site 14 may therefore be off by a few degrees, feet, etc.relative to the exact or pinpoint coordinates of the actual location ofinspection site 14 in pipeline network 12. Accordingly, the relativedistance value and/or the relative direction value determined byportable reader 60 between the present inspection site 14 and thedestination inspection site 14 may be off by a few degrees, feet, etc.

Portable reader 60 may be suitably programmed to allow a user to enterdata to account for any disparity between the location of thedestination inspection site 14 determined by portable reader 60 and theactual location of the destination inspection site 14. The data may beinput into portable reader 60 onsite. Portable reader 60 may reconfigurein real-time the relative distance value and the relative directionvalue to substantially correspond with the exact or pinpoint coordinatesof the actual location.

In another example, it is appreciated that facilities F, etc. aregenerally positioned and/or angled at some degree of deviation relativeto a true north reading. A true north reading may be obtained using amagnetic compass or other suitable means. The degree of deviation fromtrue north may be determined by using a compass, blueprints of facilityF, etc., or using any other suitable method. The degree of deviation maybe recorded as the degree that facility F, etc. is position or angledrelative to true north.

Site location data determined from GPS may be based on a true northreading. The location (e.g., the relative distance value and therelative direction value) determined by portable reader 60 between thepresent inspection site and the destination inspection site may be basedon a true north reading. Accordingly, the location determined byportable reader 60 may be inaccurate by whatever degree of deviation thefacility F, etc., is angled or positioned relative to true north.

Portable reader 60 may be suitably programmed to allow a user to inputdata to substantially account for the degree of deviation facility F,etc. is from true north. The inputted data may be the degree thatfacility F, etc. is positioned or angled relative to true north. Thedata may be inputted into portable reader 60 onsite. Portable reader 60may reconfigure in real-time the relative distance value and therelative direction value to substantially account for the degree ofdeviation of facility F relative to true north.

Using FIG. 2 as an example, inspection site 14 a may be the presentinspection site, inspection site 14 b may be the destination inspectionsite, and inspection site 14 b may also be the reference site locationdata. The location data for the present inspection site 14 a isretrieved from the database in portable reader 60. Keys 64 are used toselect destination inspection site 14 b. Portable reader 60 comparessite location data for present inspection site 14 a to reference sitelocation data of inspection site 14 b to determine a location ofdestination inspection site 14 b. Portable reader 60 may calculate adistance value and a direction value between present inspection site 14a and destination inspection site 14 b. Portable reader 60 may adjustthe calculated distance value and direction value as described above. Inother embodiments, inspection site 14 c, 14 d, or another location mayserve as the reference site location data.

In some embodiments, location device 50 may be associated or coupledwith the database stored on portable reader 60 to determine the locationof a destination inspection site 14. The user may take a location-datareading from any location using location device 50. This reading mayserve as the reference point. A user may then use keys 44 on portablereader 60 to select a destination inspection site. As described in thelast paragraph, portable reader 60 may then calculate a distance valueand a direction value between a present inspection site 14 and thedestination inspection site 14. In some embodiments, a location of adestination inspection site 14 may be determined using only the sitelocation data stored on portable reader 60.

In some embodiments, a location of a destination inspection site 14 maybe determined using a combination of GPS and/or Galileo coordinates withuser-defined values. For example, the GPS and/or Galileo coordinates maybe used to determine a selected location near one or more inspectionssites 14. The user-defined values may then define and/or be used todetermine the distance and the direction of the one or more inspectionssites 14 a relative to the selected location.

System 10 is not limited to the systems, apparatus, and methods depictedin FIGS. 1-4. In some embodiments, monitoring system 10 may be used forlocating and/or monitoring fugitive emissions inspection sites alongpipeline network 12. Fugitive emissions may generally include leaksfrom, or in the connections between, flanges, pipes, pumps, compressors,valves, vessels, pressure vessels, etc. Monitoring system 10 maycomprise any or all components described above, including a siteidentifier 20 (such as a memory module) associated with one or morefugitive emissions inspection sites, and a measuring device.

In some embodiments, the memory module may allow for storage andretrieval of one or more performance (or historical or uniqueperformance) parameters corresponding to a fugitive emissions inspectionsite in monitoring system 10. For example, the memory module may allowfor storage and retrieval of a unique fugitive emissions inspection siteidentifier corresponding to the fugitive emissions inspection site,location data corresponding to the fugitive emissions inspection site,material types corresponding to the fugitive emissions inspection site,diameters corresponding to the fugitive emissions inspection site, flowrates corresponding to the fugitive emissions inspection site, torquevalues corresponding to the fugitive emissions inspection site,historical emission readings corresponding to the fugitive emissionsinspection site, and/or other suitable data corresponding to thefugitive emissions inspection site.

The measuring device may be configured to monitor for fugitiveemissions. The measuring device may be configured to collect performancedata including a fugitive emissions value. The performance dataincluding the fugitive emissions value may be acquired by portablereader 60 in any manner described above, i.e., manually, automatically,etc. In some embodiments, the measuring device may not be connected toand/or in communication with portable reader 60. The performance datamay be manually entered into portable reader 60 in these instances.

A method for monitoring fugitive emissions may be similar to the methodalready described above. In some embodiments, reader/writer 66 mayacquire the one or more performance parameters from a site identifier 20associated with a selected fugitive emissions inspection site 14.Portable reader 60 may be configured to prompt the user to collectperformance data in response to sensor 46 acquiring the one or moreperformance parameters.

The measuring device may be used to measure and/or collect performancedata including a fugitive emissions value. The collected performancedata may then be manually entered into portable reader 60, e.g., usingkeys 64. Portable reader 60 may be configured to provide an alert ifperformance data has not been entered into portable reader 60 after apredetermined time. Portable reader 60 may be configured to prompt auser to communicate (write) one or more updated performance parametersto site identifier 20. Portable reader 60 may be configured to providean alert if the one or more updated performance parameters have not beenwritten to site identifier 20 after a predetermined time. The alert mayinclude erasing the collected performance data and/or prompting the userto again collect performance data using the measuring device.

In some embodiments, monitoring system 10 may be used for materialstracking, including for locating pipes, pumps, compressors, valves,flanges, machines, or any other equipment as desired. Monitoring system10 may comprise any or all components described above, including a siteidentifier 20 (such as a memory module) associated with one or morematerials tracking inspection sites 14. In some embodiments, the memorymodule may allow for storage and retrieval of data corresponding to thematerials tracking inspection site 14. For example, the memory modulemay allow for storage and retrieval of a unique material trackinginspection site identifier, location data for the materials trackinginspection site 14, historical tracking data corresponding to thematerials tracking inspection site 14, and/or suitable data.

While embodiments of a system, apparatus, and methods of use thereofhave been particularly shown and described, many variations may be madetherein. This disclosure may include one or more independent orinterdependent inventions directed to various combinations of features,functions, elements, and/or properties, one or more of which may bedefined in the following claims. Other combinations and sub-combinationsof features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed laterin this or a related application. Such variations, whether they aredirected to different combinations or directed to the same combinations,whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope, are alsoregarded as included within the subject matter of the presentdisclosure. An appreciation of the availability or significance ofclaims not presently claimed may not be presently realized. Accordingly,the foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature orelement, or combination thereof, is essential to all possiblecombinations that may be claimed in this or a later application. Eachclaim defines an invention disclosed in the foregoing disclosure, butany one claim does not necessarily encompass all features orcombinations that may be claimed.

Where the disclosure recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalentthereof, such recitations include one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Further, ordinalindicators, such as first, second or third, for identified elements areused to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate a requiredor limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particularposition or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically stated.

Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations offeatures, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed throughpresentation of claims in a related application. Such claims, whetherthey are directed to different inventions or directed to the sameinvention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to theother claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter ofthe present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable to devices and methods forindustrial monitoring and specifically to monitoring pipelineperformance including pipe or wall thickness and fugitive emissions.

1. A system for monitoring a pipeline network having plural inspectionsites, the system comprising: a memory module associated with one ormore inspection sites, each memory module storing one or moreperformance parameters corresponding to the associated inspection site;a measuring device operable to collect performance data of eachassociated inspection site; and a portable reader configured to read thememory module, and in association with the measuring device, to comparethe one or more performance parameters with the performance data tovalidate the performance data while in proximity to the associatedinspection site.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable readeris further configured to interpret the performance data while inproximity to the associated inspection site.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the portable reader is further configured to verify the one ormore performance parameters while in proximity to the associatedinspection site.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring deviceand the portable reader form a unitary portable instrument.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each memory module includes a nonvolatilememory storing the one or more performance parameters.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the performance data includes current wall thickness,and wherein the one or more performance parameters include nominal wallthickness, minimal wall thickness, and one or more previous wallthicknesses.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring device isan ultrasound device.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein each memorymodule includes site location data of a corresponding inspection site.9. The system of claim 8, further wherein the site location dataincludes global positioning satellite coordinates.
 10. The system ofclaim 8, further wherein the site location data includes a distancevalue and a direction value.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The system of claim 1,further comprising a target associated with one or more inspection sitesto define a performance data collection point at such associatedinspection site.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the performance dataincludes a fugitive emissions value, and the one or more performanceparameters include fugitive emissions parameters.
 14. A method formonitoring a pipeline network having plural inspection sites, the methodcomprising the steps of: storing one or more performance parameters on amemory module associated with such inspection site; transmitting the oneor more performance parameters associated with a present inspection siteto a portable reader configured to read the memory module; and comparingwith the portable reader one or more performance parameters of thepresent inspection site with performance data of the present inspectionsite to validate the performance data while in proximity to the presentinspection site.
 15. A method of claim 14, further comprising the stepof collecting the performance data of the present inspection site usinga measuring device associated with the portable reader.
 16. The methodof claim 14, further comprising the step of interpreting with theportable reader the performance data while in proximity to the presentinspection site.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising the stepof verifying with the portable reader the one or more performanceparameters while in proximity to the present inspection site.
 18. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising the step of transmitting one ormore updated performance parameters from the portable reader to thememory module associated with the present inspection site.
 19. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising the step of transmitting one ormore updated performance parameters from the portable reader to a remotedatabase.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of:associating with one or more inspection sites a target to define aperformance data collection point at such inspection site; andcollecting the performance data at the performance data collection pointassociated with the present inspection site.
 21. (canceled) 22.(canceled)
 23. A portable apparatus for monitoring a pipeline networkhaving plural inspection sites, the portable apparatus comprising: ameasuring device operable to collect performance data of one or moreinspection sites; and a reader associated with the measuring device, thereader operable to receive one or more historical performance parametersassociated with such inspection site, wherein the reader is configuredto compare the one or more historical performance parameters associatedwith such inspection site with the performance data of such inspectionsite to validate the performance data while in proximity to theassociated inspection site.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein themeasuring device is an ultrasound device.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23,wherein the reader is configured to read a memory module storing the oneor more historical performance parameters associated with suchinspection site.
 26. (canceled)
 27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled) 29.(canceled)